Lift assist bimini

ABSTRACT

A bimini system includes a bimini frame having a plurality of bows movable to transform the bimini system between an open configuration and a retracted configuration and a cover supported by the bimini frame. A storage boot has a hollow interior for a receiving the cover therein. The storage boot includes a base mounted to a first bow of the plurality of bows and a lid mounted to a second bow of the plurality of bows.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.18/178,019, filed Mar. 3, 2023, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/316,783, filed Mar. 4, 2022, and of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/409,405, filed Sep. 23, 2022, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety. This application additionally claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/409,402, filed Sep. 23, 2022, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

Stowing a bimini top for a tower structure that is associable with awatercraft can be difficult and inefficient from a standpoint of both atime and storage space. Accordingly, a need exists in the art for abimini top that can be easily and efficiently stowed.

Watercraft are commonly equipped with adjustable awnings such as, forexample, a convertible bimini top. Typically, a bimini top includes acollapsible frame assembly supporting a flexible cover. In many designs,the bimini top can be arranged in multiple positions including a closedposition and a fully deployed position. In the closed position, theframe and cover are collapsed and may be held together via a boot thatwraps around the collapsed cover. In the fully deployed position, thefront support structure is positioned upwardly toward the bow of theboat while the rear support is positioned upwardly toward the stern,thus deploying the cover and providing shelter thereunder. Deployment ofthese convertible bimini tops is typically performed manually. However,these bimini tops can be large and cumbersome, and therefore difficultto maneuver.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a bimini system includes a bimini framehaving a plurality of bows movable to transform the bimini systembetween an open configuration and a retracted configuration and a coversupported by the bimini frame. A storage boot has a hollow interior fora receiving the cover therein. The storage boot includes a base mountedto a first bow of the plurality of bows and a lid mounted to a secondbow of the plurality of bows.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the base is fixedly mounted to thefirst bow.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the lid is fixedly mounted to thesecond bow.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the first bow is a rear bow and thesecond bow is a front bow.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the second bow is movable relativeto the first bow to transform the bimini system between the openconfiguration and the retracted configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the lid is positioned relative tothe base to close the storage boot when the bimini frame is in theretracted configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame is manually movablebetween the open configuration and the retracted configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame further includes alift-assist device configured to control movement of at least one of theplurality of bows of the bimini frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the lift-assist device includes agas shock.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame is automaticallymovable between the open configuration and the retracted configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the bimini frame includes anactuator configured to control movement of at least one of the pluralityof bows of the bimini frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the actuator is connected to thefirst bow of the bimini frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the actuator is connected to thesecond bow of the bimini frame.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a gathering mechanism is operablycoupled to the cover. The gathering mechanism is configured to fold thecover as the bimini frame transforms from the open configuration to theretracted configuration.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the gathering mechanism includes atleast one tension member affixed to the cover at a plurality oflocations.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a length of the at least one tensionmember is less than a length of the cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the at least one tension member hasa biasing force.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the gathering mechanism includes atleast one shadow bow pivotably coupled to the bimini frame and operablycoupled to the cover.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the storage boot includes at leastone cover guide.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the at least one cover guide extendsfrom the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bimini system having a bimini frame inan extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bimini system of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bimini system having a bimini frame ina retracted position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bimini system of FIG. 3 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bimini system having a bimini frame ina stowed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bimini system of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a detailed side view of a support member when the bimini frameis in the extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support member of FIG. 7 accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a support member when thebimini frame is in the extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional of a support member when the bimini frameis in the retracted position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional of a support member when the bimini frameis in the stowed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a support member when thebimini frame is in the stowed position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the portion of a support member of FIG. 12according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bimini frame in an extended positionaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bimini frame of FIG. 14 in aretracted position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of a support leg of the biminiframe when the bimini frame is in a stowed position according to anembodiment;

FIG. 17 is schematic view of a connection between the support leg and amounting bracket according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bimini system having a storage bootwhen the bimini frame is in a retracted position according to anembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bimini system of FIG. 18 as thebimini frame transforms between an extended position and a retractedposition according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the bimini system of FIG. 18 when thebimini frame is in an extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a control system associated with anactuator of a bimini system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram of a storage boot and a cover of abimini system when the bimini frame is in a retracted position accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 22B is a schematic diagram of a storage boot and a cover of abimini system when the bimini frame is in an extended position accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bimini system of FIG.18 as the bimini frame transforms between an extended position and aretracted position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bimini system as the bimini frametransforms between an extended position and a retracted positionaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the bimini system when the bimini frameis in an extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the bimini system when the biminiframe is in an extended position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the bimini system when the bimini frame is ina retracted position according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the FIGS. 1-18 , an example of a bimini system 20 isshown. The bimini system 20 includes a bimini frame 22 that is adaptedto support a covering or material thereon is illustrated. As shown, thebimini frame 22 may include several pieces that are formed from astrong, durable, corrosion-resistance material, such as a stainlesssteel or aluminum alloy for example, as will be described in more detailbelow. The bimini system may include at least one support member 24operably coupled to the bimini frame. In the illustrated, non-limitingembodiment, the bimini system includes a substantially identical firstsupport member 24 a and second support member 24 b couplable to astructure of a vehicle, such as the deck 12 of a watercraft or boat forexample. The first support member 24 a and second support member 24 bmay be coupled to the structure 12 directly, or alternatively, may becoupled to the structure 12 of the vehicle indirectly through anothercomponent, such as a side plate or bracket for example.

The bimini frame 22 includes at least one bow 26 connected to andextending between the first support member 24 a and the second supportmember 24 b. For example, each bow 26 typically includes a tubularmember formed in a substantially U-shaped configuration having acrossbar extending between opposite side legs which are connected to thesupport members. However, a bow having another configuration is alsocontemplated herein. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thebimini frame 22 includes a rear bow 26 r and a front bow 26 f both ofwhich are coupled to the first and second support members 24 a, 24 b.The rear bow 26 r and a front bow 26 f may be movably coupled to the atleast one support member 24 individually or in combination. For example,the rear bow 26 r may be movably coupled to the at least one supportmember 24 and the front bow 26 f may be movably coupled to the rear bow26 r. Embodiments where any bow is indirectly coupled to a supportmember 24 is within the scope of the disclosure. Further, embodimentswhere only some of the plurality of bows are coupled to a support member24 a, 24 b are also contemplated herein. It should be understood thatthe bimini frame 22 illustrated and described herein is intended as anexample only and that a bimini frame 22 having any suitableconfiguration is within the scope of the disclosure.

The bimini frame 22 may additionally include one or more support bows28. In an embodiment, the bimini frame 22 includes a generally u-shapedrear support bow 28 r pivotally attached to the rear bow 26 r. Becausethe height of the rear support bow 28 r is less than the height of therear bow 26 r, for example less than half the height of the rear bow 26r, the rear support bow 28 r may be connected to the rear bow 26 r at alocation closer to the bend or horizontally oriented portion than theends of the rear bow. The horizontal portion of the rear support bow 28r may be arranged generally within the same plane as the horizontalportion of the rear bow (as shown), or alternatively, may be slightlyvertically offset therefrom. In embodiments where the horizontal portionof the rear support bow 28 r is elevated relative to the horizontalportion of the rear bow 26 r, the bimini system 20 may have a slightlycurved contour.

Alternatively, or in addition, the bimini frame 22 may include agenerally u-shaped front support bow 28 f pivotally attached to thefront bow 26 f. The height of the front support bow 28 f is less thanthe height of the front bow 26 f. As noted above, the horizontal portionof the front support bow 28 f may be aligned with, or alternatively, maybe vertically offset from the horizontal portion of the front bow 26 f.Further, the pivotal connection between the front support bow 28 f andthe front bow 26 f may, but need not be, arranged in the same horizontalplane as the pivotal connection between the rear support bow 28 r andthe rear bow 26 r. It should be understood that embodiments including nosupport bows, a single support bow or more than two support bows arealso contemplated herein.

The bimini system 20 may additionally include a permanent or removablecover 30 (see FIG. 2 ), formed from any suitable material, including butnot limited to canvas, plastic, etc. for example, that stretches acrossthe upper surface of the bimini frame 22 and is secured thereto via oneor more affixing mechanisms. Examples of such affixing mechanismsinclude Velcro®, ties, snaps, and other suitable fasteners. In anembodiment, best shown in FIG. 2 , the cover 30 includes one or moreopenings or pockets 32 through which each of the bows 26 of the biminiframe 22 extend to couple the cover 30 to the bimini frame 22.Alternatively, the cover 30 may include flaps (not shown) that areconfigured to wrap about each of the bows 26 of the bimini frame 22 andsecure to another portion of the cover 30.

With reference to FIGS. 7-12 , an example of the interface between thebows 26 f, 26 r and a support member 24 a, 24 b is illustrated in moredetail. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, each of the rearbow 26 r and the front bow 26 f is pivotally mounted to the first andsecond support members 24 a, 24 b. The bows 26 r, 26 f may be movableindividually and/or in combination, relative to the first and secondsupport members 24 a, 24 b. The support member 24 a, 24 b may include abase 34 rigidly affixed to the structure 12 of the vehicle and a movablesupport bracket 36 operably coupled to the base 34. The support bracket36 may be permanently or removably attached or connected to a bow, suchas the rear bow 26 r for example. Although the support bracket 36 isillustrated as having a U-shape (see FIG. 8 ) positionable aboutmultiple surfaces of the rear bow 26 r, it should be appreciated that asupport bracket 36 having any suitable configuration is within the scopeof the disclosure. In an embodiment, the support bracket 36 is rigidlycoupled to the rear bow 26 r, such as via a bolt, pin, or other suitablecoupling mechanism 38 positioned at or near an end 40 of the rear bow 26r. Accordingly, the support bracket 36 is configured to move in unisonwith the rear bow 26 r.

The support bracket 36 may further be movably coupled, for examplerotatably coupled, to the base 34. As shown, a pin 42 may be used tocouple the end 44 of front bow 26 f to the base 34, the pin defining theaxis of rotation X of the front bow 26 f relative to the base 34. In anembodiment, the support bracket 36 includes a hole (not shown), withinwhich the pin 42 is received. In such embodiments, the axis of rotationX of the front bow 26 f also serves as the axis of rotation defining themovement of the rear bow 26 r. The support bracket 36 includes at leastone wall 46. Although one or more of the walls 46 of the support bracket36 are illustrated as being located between a surface of the front bow26 f and an adjacent interior surface 48 of the base 34, embodimentswhere a portion of the support bracket 36 is positioned adjacent to anexterior surface of the base 34 are also contemplated herein.

The bimini frame 22 is transformable between a plurality ofconfiguration including a first, extended position (see FIGS. 1, 2 and7-9 ), and a second, retracted position (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 10 ). Whenthe bimini frame 22 is in the extended position, the front bow 26 f isrotated away from the rear bow 26 r, such that the bimini system 20 isarranged in an open configuration. In the extended configuration, therear bow 26 r may be arranged at an angle relative to the structure 12,such as a 45-degree angle for example. In an embodiment, the rear bow 26r is arranged between a 30-degree and 75-degree angle relative to thestructure 12. Further, the front bow 26 f may be oriented at an anglerelative to the rear bow 26 r, such as between a 75-degree angle and a120-degree angle. In an embodiment, best shown in FIG. 7 , in theextended position, the front bow 26 f is arranged generallyperpendicular to the rear bow 26 r.

In the extended position, the rear support bow 28 r and the frontsupport bow 28 f may both be similarly arranged at an angle relative tothe rear bow 26 r and the front bow 26 f, respectively. In theillustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the rear support bow 28 r extendstowards the front bow 26 f and the front support bow 28 f extends towardthe rear bow 26 r. Accordingly, in the extended position, the rearsupport bow 28 r and the front support bow 28 f support a centralportion of the cover 30.

In the retracted position, the front bow 26 f and the rear bow 26 r maybe oriented generally parallel to one another, or alternatively, may beconsidered stacked on top of one another in a collapsed configuration.In embodiments including one or more support bows, each support bow isrotated about its axis to a position substantially parallel to the bowto which the support bow is connected. When the bimini frame 22 is inthe retracted position, the bimini system 20 is in a closed or retractedconfiguration. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the frontbow 26 f is pivotable about the axis X relative to the support members24 a, 24 b and the structure 12 to transform the bimini frame 22 betweenthe extended position and the retracted position. During transformationfrom the extended position to the retracted position, the rear bow 26 rmay remain fixed relative to the base 34 of the support members 24 a, 24b and/or the structure 12.

As shown, in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the bimini frame 22 may also be movablebetween the second, retracted position, and a third, stowed position. Inthe stowed position, the collapsed bimini frame 22 is lowered relativeto the structure 12. During the transformation between the retractedposition and the stowed position, the position of the front bow 26 frelative to the rear bow 26 r may remain fixed. As shown, both the frontbow 26 f and the support bracket 36 coupled to the rear bow 26 r maypivot about the axis X defined by pin 42 to lower the collapsed biminiframe 22 toward the structure 12. The second position of the biminiframe 22 may be considered a radar position, where the bows 26 f, 26 rare offset from the deck 12, thereby allowing an occupant of the vehicleto pass or walk underneath the collapsed bimini frame 22. When thebimini frame 22 is in the stowed position, the bimini system 20 is in astowed configuration.

With reference again to FIGS. 1-6 , in an embodiment, the bimini frame22 additionally includes at least one support leg 50 extending from therear bow 26 r. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, a firstsupport leg 50 a is connected to and extends from a portion of the rearbow 26 r aligned with the first support member 24 a and a second supportleg 50 b is connected to and extends from a portion of the rear bow 26 raligned with the second support member 24 b. The first and secondsupport legs 50 a, 50 b may but need not be substantially identical.

The at least one support leg 50 a, 50 b is pivotally mounted to the rearbow 26 r, such as via pin for example, and is rotatable between anextended position (FIGS. 1-4 ) and a collapsed position (FIGS. 5-6 ).The support leg 50 is in the extended position when the bimini frame 22is in both the extended and retracted positions and the support leg 50a, 50 b is in the collapsed position when the bimini frame 22 is in thestowed position. In the collapsed position, the support leg 50 a, 50 bmay be oriented substantially parallel to the rear bow 26 r, and in theextended configuration, the at least one support leg 50 b extends at anangle to the rear bow 26 r. In the extended position, the support leg 50b is configured to support or stabilize the bimini frame 22 at alocation offset from the structure 12. Therefore, in an embodiment, thedistal end 52 of the at least one support leg 50 a, 50 b is connectableto a bracket or connector 54 to selectively lock the support leg 50 a,50 b in the extended position.

Transformation of the bimini frame 22 between a first position, a secondposition, and/or a third position may be performed manually. However, inan embodiment, at least one lift-assist device 60, such as a gas shockfor example, is operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r to facilitatemovement of the rear bow 26 r between the stowed position and theretracted position when a manual force is applied thereto. Onelift-assist device 60 may be sufficient to control the manual movementof the rear bow 26 r. However, in other embodiments, the bimini system20 may include two lift-assist devices 60 coupled to opposing sides ofthe rear bow 26 r. Further, although the lift-assist device 60 isillustrated as being located within a support member 24 a, 24 b, such aswithin the interior of the base 34 for example, embodiments where alift-assist device 60 is located at another position are alsocontemplated herein.

As shown, the lift-assist device 60 includes a first portion fixedlycoupled to the base 34 of the support member 24 a, 24 b and a secondportion operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r, such as to the supportbracket 36 affixed to the rear bow 26 r for example. In an embodiment,the lift-assist device 60 includes a body 62 and a piston or othermovable component 64 configured to translate linearly relative to thebody. The body 62 may be the second portion mechanically coupled to thesupport bracket 36 and the piston 64 may be the first portionmechanically coupled to the base 34. However, embodiments where the body62 is coupled to the base 34 and the piston 64 is coupled to the supportbracket 36 are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, itshould be understood that embodiments where the lift-assist device 60has another configuration, and where the movable component 64 isconfigured to move in another manner, such as rotate for example,relative to the body 62 are also contemplated herein. In theillustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the second portion of thelift-assist device 60 is pivotably coupled to the support bracket 36,such as via a pin 66 for example. The first portion of the lift-assistdevice 60 may also be pivotally coupled to the base 34 via a pin orother suitable connection mechanism 68.

In operation, as the bimini frame 22 is raised from the stowed positionto the retracted position, the movable component 64 of the lift-assistdevice 60 is biased away from the fixed portion 62 thereof. As a result,the translation or other movement of the movable component 64 relativeto the fixed portion 62 applies a force to the support bracket 36. Theforce applied to the end of the support bracket 36 causes the supportbracket 36 to rotate about the axis X defined by the pin 42. In anembodiment, the configuration of the lift-assist device 60 is selectedsuch that when the lift-assist device 60 is in the extendedconfiguration, the bimini frame 22 is in the retracted position, andtherefore the support bracket 36 is in a corresponding position relativeto the base 34. Further, the resistance provided by the lift-assistdevice 60 when moving the movable component 64 towards the fixed portion62 may facilitate a controlled lowering of the bimini frame 22 towardthe structure 12.

In an embodiment, the connection between the lift-assist device 60 andthe bimini frame 22 relative to the axis of rotation of the supportbracket 36 is designed to apply the greatest amount of force to thebimini frame 22 when the bimini frame 22 is in the stowed position andis heaviest to move. Specifically, the geometry of support bracket 36and its connection with the lift-assist device 60 may be intended tomaximize the force applied by the lift-assist device 60 to the supportbracket 36 when the bimini frame 22 is in the stowed position. As thebimini frame 22 rotates toward the retracted position, and the geometrybetween the lift assist device 60 and the support bracket 36 changes,the force applied by the lift-assist device 60 reduces.

Alternatively, to or in addition to the manual transformation, ortransformation aided via the lift-assist device, the bimini system 20may be transformable between one or more of the first position, a secondposition, and/or a third position automatically. In embodiments wherethe transformation is automatic, one or more actuators or other movementmechanisms may be operably coupled to any suitable portion of the biminiframe 22 for movement in a known manner. For example, at least oneactuator 70 may be operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r (see FIGS.14-17 ) and/or at least one actuator 70 may be operably coupled to thefront bow 26 f (see FIGS. 18-19 ) to transform the bimini frame 22between the retracted and extended configurations.

In an embodiment, the actuator 70 includes a first portion 72 coupled tothe structure or deck 12, such as via a mounting bracket 75 for example,and a second portion 74 operably coupled to bimini frame 22. Inembodiments where the at least one actuator 70 is operably coupled tothe front bow 26 f, the mounting bracket 75 may be separate from or maybe integral with the support member 24. In embodiments where theactuator is operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r, the mounting bracket75 may but need not be the same as mounting bracket 54 previouslydescribed herein.

In an embodiment, the actuator 70 includes a stationary portion and apiston or other movable component configured to translate linearlyrelative to the stationary portion. The piston may be the first portion72 pivotally coupled to the deck 12 and the stationary portion may bethe second portion 74 rotatably coupled to the bimini frame 22. However,embodiments where the stationary portion is arranged adjacent to thedeck 12 and the piston is coupled to the bimini frame 22 are also withinthe scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood thatembodiments where the actuator 70 has another configuration, and wherethe movable component is configured to move in another manner, such asrotate for example, relative to the second stationary portion 74 arealso contemplated herein. In some embodiments where the at least oneactuator 70 may be operably coupled to the rear bow 26 r, the at leastone actuator may be coupled to the support leg 50, or alternatively, allor a portion of the support leg 50 may be formed by the actuator 70 orother automatic movement mechanism.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 , the secondportion 74 of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the rear bow 26 r,such as via a pin for example. Further, the movable first portion 72 ofthe actuator 70 may also be pivotally coupled to a mounting bracket 75affixed to the deck 12. The distal end of the piston 72 may beconnectable to the mounting bracket 75 via a quick-release connection.With continued reference to FIGS. 14-17 and further reference to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, the distal end of the piston 72 includes a shaft 76having a radially outwardly extending flange 78 and the mounting bracket75 includes a plate 77 having a slot or other opening 79 formed therein.In such embodiments, the shaft 76 is slidably receivable within the slot79 such that the flange 78 is arranged adjacent to an underside of theplate 77, thereby limiting axial separation of the first portion 72 ofthe actuator 70 from the mounting bracket 75. However, in the event of afailure of the actuator 70, the distal end of the actuator 70 can beeasily disconnected, for example rotated, from the deck 12 to allow thebimini system 20 to be manually lowered.

The actuator 70 may be operable to transform the bimini frame 22 betweena retracted position and a stowed position. When the bimini frame 22 isin the retracted position, the piston 72 of the actuator 70 is extendedrelative to the stationary portion 74 of the actuator. To lower thebimini frame 22 to the stowed position, the actuator 70 translates thepiston 72 relative to the stationary portion 74. With reference to anactuator coupled to the rear bow 26 r, the piston 72 is moved to aposition in which all or at least a portion of the piston 72 is receivedwith an interior of the stationary portion 74 of the actuator. As thepiston 72 slides into the interior of the stationary portion 74, thelength of the actuator 70 decreases, causing the actuator 70 to pivotrelative to both the deck 12 and the bimini frame 22, respectively.Similarly, to raise the bimini frame 22 to the retracted position fromthe stowed position, the piston 72 translates out of the stationaryportion 74, thereby increasing the axial length of the actuator 70forming the support leg 34 a, 34 b. This increase in length similarlycauses the actuator 70 to pivot relative to both the deck 12 and thebimini frame 22, respectively.

Alternatively, an actuator 70 connected to the front bow 26 f of thebimini frame 22 is configured to transform from a retractedconfiguration to an extended configuration by translating the piston 72away from the stationary portion 74, thereby extending or increasing theaxial length of the actuator 70. Such movement will cause the front bowto lower relative to the support member 24. Similarly, to raise thebimini frame 22 from the stowed position to the retracted position, thepiston 72 is gradually received within the interior of the stationaryportion 74, thereby decreasing the axial length of the actuator 70.

The stationary portion 74 of the actuator 70 may include a hollow shaft80 and a housing 82 mounted to the shaft 80, such as formed from aplastic material for example. The housing 82 may contain the motor andin some embodiments, one or more electronic components associated withoperation of the actuator 70. In some embodiments, the housing 82 may bepositioned at or adjacent to an end of the actuator coupled to thebimini frame 22. In other embodiments, the housing 82 may be located atthe deck 12, such as via the mounting bracket 75 for example. In suchembodiments, the mounting bracket 75 may but need not be integrallyformed with a respective support member 24 a, 24 b.

In an embodiment, such as when the actuator 70 is connected to the rearbow 26 r for example, when the bimini frame 22 is in the stowedposition, the housing 82 of the actuator 70 is receivable within acorresponding mount 84 extending from the deck 12. In an embodiment, aportion of the housing 82 configured to face towards the deck 12 whenthe bimini frame 22 is in the stowed position has a first configurationand the upper surface 86 of the mount 84 has a second configuration,complementary to the first configuration. Accordingly, the portion ofthe housing 82 is configured to nest within the upper surface 86 of themount 84. By applying a preload to the motor of the actuator 70 when thehousing 82 is nested within the mount 84, the engagement therebetweenmay restrict or limit unintended movement of the bimini frame 22.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the bimini system 20including both a lift assist device and an actuator are within the scopeof the disclosure. In such embodiments, the lift-assist device andactuator operate in combination to open, close, and stow the biminisystem 20. When the bimini frame 22 is automatically transformed betweenthe plurality of positions, it should be understood that the biminiframe 22 may not begin to open or more toward the extended positionuntil the frame 22 has reaches the retracted position from the stowedposition. Similarly, the bimini frame 22 may not begin to lower towardsthe stowed position until the frame has reached the retracted position.However, other embodiments where the frame is operable to simultaneouslyopen and lift from the stowed position, or simultaneously close andlower toward the stowed position are also within the scope of thedisclosure.

With reference now to FIG. 22 , operation of the actuator(s) 70 may becontrolled by a controller, illustrated schematically at 100. Thecontroller 100 may include one or more of a microprocessor,microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or anyother form of electronic controller known in the art. In an embodiment,the controller 100 is configured to monitor operation of the actuators70 to ensure that the actuators are operating uniformly and insynchronization to raise and lower the bimini frame 22. For example,operation of an input 102, such as a button for example, by a user, maygenerate and communicate a signal to the controller 100 to operate theactuators 70. In response to receipt of this signal, the controller 100will communicate a drive signal to the motors of both actuators 70. Thecontroller 100 may be operably coupled to a separate output device 104,such as a computer or other display for example, configured to indicateto a user operational data of the actuators 70.

To ensure coordinated movement of both actuators 70, one or more sensorsS may be mounted to a portion of the bimini frame 22, such as the rearbow 26 r, or to a portion. Alternatively, or in addition, the one ormore sensors S may be position sensors operable to monitor a position ofthe movable first portion 72 of the actuator 70 or the rear bow 26 r. Inanother embodiment, the at least one sensor S may be a temperaturesensor, for example operable to monitor a temperature of or adjacent tothe motor, such as to detect overheating of the motor. Overheating ofthe motor may indicate a failure of the actuator 70. The controller 100may be configured to adjust operation of one or more actuators 70 inresponse to the information detected by the sensors.

With reference to FIGS. 18-20 , regardless of whether the bimini systemincludes an actuator 70, a lift-assist device 60, or both operablycoupled to the bimini frame 22, in an embodiment, a storage boot 120 isassociated with the bimini system 20. The storage boot 120 may beconfigured to enclose, and therefore protect, a portion of the biminisystem 20, such as the cover 30 and/or the central portion of the bows26 r, 26 f and/or the support bows 28 r, 28 f for example, when thebimini system 20 is in at least one of the retracted configuration andthe stowed configuration. In an embodiment, the storage boot 120 may beintegrally formed with the bimini system 20. However, embodimentsincluding a storage boot 120 that is at least partially separate fromthe bimini system 20 are also contemplated herein. The storage boot 120may have a lightweight construction including one or more pieces offlexible material. However, it should be appreciated that a storage boot120 having a lightweight construction may be mounted to anothercomponent of a watercraft, such as to a tower or arch for example. Asused herein, the term “lightweight construction” is intended to identifyembodiments where the storage boot has a weight less than 50 pounds, andin some embodiments, less than 35 pounds, less than 30 pounds, or evenless than 25 pounds.

The storage boot 120 generally includes a base 122 and a lid 124 movablerelative to the base 122 between a closed position and an open position.In the closed position, a hollow interior 126 is defined between thebase 122 and the lid 124 within which the cover 30 and/or the centralportion of the bows 26 r, 26 f and the support bows 28 r, 28 f arereceived. In an embodiment, the base 122 of the storage boot 120 may bearranged at a portion of the bimini frame 22. For example, as shown, thebase 122 may be affixed to or integral with the rear bow 26 r of thebimini frame. The base 122 of the storage boot 120 may include a firstbase member 130 and a second base member 132. The first base member 130may be formed form a rigid material, such as plastic, or alternatively,may be formed from one or more flexible pieces of fabric, cloth, canvas,or another suitable material. In an embodiment, the first base member130 is arranged at a back surface of the rear bow 26 r and is connectedto the crossbar and a portion of each of the opposite legs of the rearbow 26 r. However, embodiments where the first base member 130 isconnected to only some of the crossbar and the opposite legs of the rearbow 26 r are also contemplated herein. In an embodiment, an upper edge134 of the first base member 130 is generally aligned with the crossbarof the rear bow 26 r.

The second base member 132 may be a separate component permanentlyaffixed to the first base member 130, such as via a heat weld oradhesive for example. However, in other embodiments, the second basemember 132 and the first base member 130 may be integrally formed. Thesecond base member 132 may be formed form a rigid material, such asplastic, or alternatively, may be formed from one or more flexiblepieces of fabric, cloth, canvas, or another suitable material. Inembodiments where the first and second base members 130, 132 are notintegrally formed, the material of the second base member 132 need notbe the same as the material of the first base member 130.

The second base member 132 may be arranged at near a second, bottom edge136 of the rear bow 26 r and extends at an angle therefrom. As shown,the second base member 132 may be oriented substantially perpendicularto the first base member 130; however, embodiments where the second basemember 132 is arranged at another angle relative to the first basemember 130, such as at an angle less than 90 degrees or at an angle morethan 90 degrees are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further,the second base member 132 extends forward of the rear bow 26 r, towardsthe front bow 26 f.

The lid 124 of the storage boot 120 may include a first lid member and asecond lid member formed from one or more flexible pieces of fabric,cloth, canvas, or another suitable material affixed to the secondsupport member 60. The second support member 60 is a structural member,

In an embodiment, the lid 124 of the storage boot 120 may be arranged ata portion of the bimini frame 22. For example, as shown, the lid 124 maybe affixed to or integral with the front bow 26 f of the bimini frame.The lid 124 may include a first lid member 140 and a second lid member142. The first base member 140 may be formed form a rigid material, suchas plastic, or alternatively, may be formed from one or more flexiblepieces of fabric, cloth, canvas, or another suitable material. In anembodiment, the first support member 140 is arranged at a front surfaceof the front bow 26 f and is connected to the crossbar and a portion ofeach of the opposite legs of the front bow 26 f. However, embodimentswhere the first lid member 140 is connected to only some of the crossbarand the opposite legs of the front bow 26 f are also contemplatedherein. In an embodiment, an upper edge 144 of the first lid member 140is generally aligned with the crossbar of the front bow 26 f.

The second lid member 142 may be a separate component permanentlyaffixed to the first base member 140, such as via a heat weld oradhesive for example. However, in other embodiments, the second lidmember 142 and the first lid member 140 may be integrally formed. Thesecond lid member 142 may be formed form a rigid material, such asplastic, or alternatively, may be formed from one or more flexiblepieces of fabric, cloth, canvas, or another suitable material. Inembodiments where the first and second lid members 140, 142 are notintegrally formed, the material of the second lid member 142 need not bethe same as the material of the first lid member 140.

The second base member 142 may be arranged at near the upper edge 146 ofthe front bow 26 f and extends at an angle therefrom. As shown, thesecond lid member 142 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to thefirst lid member 140; however, embodiments where the second lid member142 is arranged at another angle relative to the first lid member 140,such as at an angle less than 90 degrees or at an angle more than 90degrees are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, the secondlid member 142 extends backward from the front bow 26 f towards the rearbow 26 r.

In an embodiment, the length of the second base member 132 is generallyequal to the length of the second lid member 142, such that when thebimini system 20 is in the retracted or stowed configuration, the secondbase member 132 and the second lid member 142 are positioned betweenand, in some embodiments, in contact with both the first base member 130and the first lid member 140. Further, in the retracted or stowedconfiguration, the second base member 130 is positioned generallybeneath the cover 30 and the second lid member 142 is arranged generallyabove the cover 30.

As the bimini system 20 is transformed from an open configuration to aretracted configuration, the cover 30 extending between the rear bow 26r and the front bow 26 f is gathered therebetween. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment, the bimini system 20 additionally includes agathering system for controlling the formation of one or more folds inthe cover 30 as the bimini frame 22 transforms from an openconfiguration to a retracted configuration. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment, one or more tension members 150 are affixed tothe cover 30. As shown, a plurality of tension members 150 are spacedover the width of the cover 30. Each tension member 150 may be affixedto the end of the cover 30 connected to the rear bow 26 r and the end ofthe cover 30 connected to the front bow 26 f. In an embodiment, the atleast one tension member 150 is alternatively or additionally affixed tothe cover 30 at intervals between the opposing ends of the cover 30. Theone or more tension members 150 may be affixed to the cover 30 via anysuitable means, including but not limited to stitching, adhesive, ormechanical fasteners for example. These interfaces between a tensionmember 150 and the cover 30 are also referred to herein as“connections.”

One or more connections may be formed at the portion of the cover 30between adjacent bows 26, 28. The distance between adjacent connectionsassociated with a single tension member 150 are generally equal suchthat the folds of the cover 30 formed therebetween have a substantiallyequal height. The positioning of these connections may be varied basedon the overall length of the cover 30 and the desired size or height ofthe folds to be formed. For example, if the distance between theseconnections is about 12 inches, the height of the fold formed betweenthe connections will be approximately 6 inches. Further, the connectionsof adjacent tension members 150 may be generally aligned to maintainuniformity across the width of the cover 30 during a gatheringoperation. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tensionmembers 150 are arranged at an upper surface of the cover 30. However,embodiments where the tension members 150 are arranged at anothersuitable location are also contemplated herein.

As used herein, the term “tension member” is intended to include anysuitable member, including but not limited to straps, rope, webbing,cable, cord, elastic, or chain, extending between the opposite ends ofthe cover 30. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the tensionmembers 150 are axially extendable and the length of one or more of thetension members 150 is shorter than the length defined between the endsof the cover 30. Accordingly, as the bimini system 20 is transformedfrom a retracted position to an open configuration, a force is appliedto the tension members 150 in a direction opposing the bias of thetension members 150. As a result, the tension members 150 stretch toachieve the desired distance between connections when the cover 30 isopened.

As the bimini system 20 transforms from the open configuration to theclosed or retracted configuration, the bias of the tension members 150facilitates the gathering of the cover 30 to form folds of a desiredsize. As the front bow 26 f is moved toward the rear bow 26 r, the forceopposing the bias of the tension members 150 is reduced. As a result,the biasing force of the tension members 150 pulls adjacent connectionstogether, causing the unattached material of the cover 30 locatedbetween the connections to fold. It should be understood that any numberof folds, puckering, or gathered portions of material may be formed asthe bimini frame 22 transforms from the open configuration to theretracted configuration. In an embodiment, the height of the folds isless than the height between the second base member 132 and the secondlid member 142. It should be appreciated that the gathering mechanismusing tension members 150 is intended as an example only and that anysuitable mechanism for gathering the cover 30 within the storage boot120 is contemplated herein.

With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 , in an embodiment, the gatheringmechanism additionally includes at least one shadow bow 152 operablycoupled to the cover 30 and movably mounted to the bimini frame 22, suchas one or more of the bows 26 r, 26 f and the support bows 28 r, 28 ffor example. Similar to the bows of the bimini frame 22, each shadow bow152 may typically include a substantially U-shaped configuration havinga crossbar extending between opposite side legs which are connected to arespective portion of the bimini frame 22. As shown, a first shadow bow152 a may be pivotally connected to the rear bow 26 r and a secondshadow bow 152 b may be pivotally connected to the front bow 26 f. Theat least one shadow bow 152 may extend from the bimini frame 22 in anysuitable direction such that a distal end of the shadow bow 152 iscoupled to or engageable with the cover 30. It should be appreciatedthat although a single shadow bow 152 is illustrated as being associatedwith each of the front and rear bows 26 f, 26 r, embodiments where morethan one shadow bow 152 is associated with a respective bow or supportbow of the bimini frame 22 are also contemplated herein.

When the bimini system 20 is in the open configuration, each of theshadow bows 152 extends at a non-parallel angle to the respective bow ofthe bimini frame 22 to which the shadow bow 152 is coupled. As thebimini system 20 transforms from the open configuration to the closed orretracted configuration, the shadow bows 152 will pivot relative to thebimini frame 22, to a position in which the shadow bow is substantiallyparallel to and in overlapping arrangement with the adjacent bow of thebimini frame 22. During this transformation, as the cover 30 is gatheredor folded for collection within the storage boot 120, the one or moreshadow bows 152 may be configured to lift or apply an upward force to anadjacent portion of the cover 30. In an embodiment, the at least oneshadow bows 152 is positioned to lift the cover 30 as it approaches thestorage boot 120, thereby ensuring proper receipt therein. Although theshadow bows 152 are illustrated and described herein as cooperating withthe tension members 150 to properly gather the cover 30 within thestorage boot 120, it should be understood that in some embodiments, thegathering mechanism may include only shadow bows and therefore does notinclude any tension members 150.

As the bimini system 20 transforms from the open configuration to theretracted configuration, the crossbar of each of the bows 26 f, 28 r, 28f, are received in overlapping arrangement with the crossbar of the rearbow 26 r. Further, the one or more folds formed in the cover aresandwiched between the adjacent bows. The crossbar of the bows and thefolds or the cover are positioned within the area of the base 122 of thestorage boot 120 formed between the first base member 130 and the secondbase member 132. Because the lid 124 is attached to the front bow 26 f,the lid 124 closes the base as the final folds are received thereon.

One or more cover guides 160 may be formed in the lid 124 to facilitatepositioning of the cover between the base 122 and the lid 124. The oneor more cover guides 160 may be extend from the first lid member 140toward the rear bow 26 r. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment,the lid 124 includes a plurality of individual cover guides 160 spacedover the width of the first lid member 140. However, embodiments havingindividual cover guides 160 arranged in another configuration, or atonly one location are also contemplated herein. Further, embodimentsincluding a single cover guide 160 that extends over a substantialportion of the width of the first lid member 124, such as over at least20% of the width, and in some embodiments, over at least 25%, 30%, 35%,40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even 100%of the width of the first lid member 124 are also within the scope ofthe disclosure. In such embodiments including a single cover guide 160having an extended width that is less than the width of the cover 30,the cover guide 160 may be centered about the first lid member 140. Inoperation, as the bimini system 20 transforms to the retracted position,the one or more cover guides 160 are configured to contact one or moreof the folds formed in the cover 30, such as near a bottom of the one ormore folds for example. The at least one cover guide 160 is configuredto push the folds into the base when the lid 124 is in partiallyoverlapping arrangement with the base 122, but prior to the lid reachinga position in which the storage boot 120 is fully closed.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bimini system comprising: a bimini frameincluding a plurality of bows, the plurality of bows being movable totransform the bimini system between an open configuration and aretracted configuration; a cover supported by the bimini frame; and astorage boot having a hollow interior for a receiving the cover therein,the storage boot including a base mounted to a first bow of theplurality of bows and a lid mounted to a second bow of the plurality ofbows.
 2. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the base is fixedlymounted to the first bow.
 3. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein thelid is fixedly mounted to the second bow.
 4. The bimini system of claim1, wherein the first bow is a rear bow and the second bow is a frontbow.
 5. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the second bow is movablerelative to the first bow to transform the bimini system between theopen configuration and the retracted configuration.
 6. The bimini systemof claim 5, wherein the lid is positioned relative to the base to closethe storage boot when the bimini frame is in the retractedconfiguration.
 7. The bimini system of claim 1, the bimini frame ismanually movable between the open configuration and the retractedconfiguration.
 8. The bimini system of claim 7, wherein the bimini framefurther comprises a lift-assist device configured to control movement ofat least one of the plurality of bows of the bimini frame.
 9. The biminisystem of claim 8, wherein the lift-assist device includes a gas shock.10. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein the bimini frame isautomatically movable between the open configuration and the retractedconfiguration.
 11. The bimini system of claim 10, wherein the biminiframe further comprises an actuator configured to control movement of atleast one of the plurality of bows of the bimini frame.
 12. The biminisystem of claim 11, wherein the actuator is connected to the first bowof the bimini frame.
 13. The bimini system of claim 11, wherein theactuator is connected to the second bow of the bimini frame.
 14. Thebimini system of claim 1, further comprising a gathering mechanismoperably coupled to the cover, the gathering mechanism being configuredto fold the cover as the bimini frame transforms from the openconfiguration to the retracted configuration.
 15. The bimini system ofclaim 14, wherein the gathering mechanism includes at least one tensionmember affixed to the cover at a plurality of locations.
 16. The biminisystem of claim 15, wherein a length of the at least one tension memberis less than a length of the cover.
 17. The bimini system of claim 15,wherein the at least one tension member has a biasing force.
 18. Thebimini system of claim 14, wherein the gathering mechanism includes atleast one shadow bow pivotably coupled to the bimini frame and operablycoupled to the cover.
 19. The bimini system of claim 1, wherein thestorage boot further comprises at least one cover guide.
 20. The biminisystem of claim 19, wherein the at least one cover guide extends fromthe lid.